Solar Panels in Orlando: Your Complete Guide to Going Solar in Central Florida

Orlando homeowners are increasingly turning to solar energy to reduce electricity bills and take advantage of Florida's abundant sunshine. With over 230 sunny days per year, Central Florida offers some of the best conditions in the country for residential solar panel installations. This guide covers everything you need to know about solar panels in Orlando, including local utility programs, incentives, costs, and what to expect from the installation process.

Why Orlando Is Ideal for Solar Panel Installation

Central Florida's climate makes it one of the most favorable regions in the United States for solar energy production. Orlando receives an average of 5.5 peak sun hours daily, meaning solar panels can generate substantial electricity throughout the year. The combination of high electricity rates from local utilities and strong solar irradiance creates favorable conditions for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs.

Climate Considerations for Orlando Solar Systems

While Orlando's sunny climate is excellent for solar production, there are several Central Florida-specific factors to consider:

Heat and Humidity: Solar panels are designed to withstand Florida's heat and humidity. However, extreme heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency. Quality installers account for this by recommending panels with good temperature coefficients and ensuring proper roof ventilation during installation.

Hurricane Preparedness: Orlando's location in Central Florida means homeowners should consider hurricane-rated mounting systems. Modern solar installations in Florida are typically designed to withstand winds of 150 mph or higher. Many insurance companies may offer coverage for solar systems, though homeowners should verify their policy details before installation.

Afternoon Thunderstorms: Summer afternoon storms are common in Orlando but rarely impact overall solar production significantly. Solar systems continue generating electricity on cloudy days, just at reduced capacity.

Orlando Solar Installation Costs in 2025

Solar panel installation costs in Orlando generally range from approximately $2.00 to $3.00 per watt before incentives. For a typical Orlando home, an 8 kW system is often recommended to offset most electricity usage.

Estimated Cost Ranges

Based on current market data, Orlando homeowners may see the following price ranges before incentives:

• 5 kW system: Approximately $8,800 to $12,000
• 8 kW system: Approximately $16,000 to $24,000
• 10 kW system: Approximately $20,000 to $30,000

These prices can vary significantly based on equipment quality, roof complexity, and the installer chosen. Homeowners are encouraged to obtain multiple quotes from licensed Florida solar contractors to compare pricing and equipment options.

Orlando Utility Companies and Solar Programs

Orlando is served by two primary electric utilities, each with different solar programs and policies. Understanding which utility serves your home is essential for planning your solar installation.

OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission)

OUC serves customers within the City of Orlando and parts of Orange and Osceola counties. OUC offers several programs for solar customers:

Net Metering Program: OUC's traditional net metering program allows solar customers to receive credit for excess electricity sent to the grid. However, significant changes are coming in 2025.

Important Deadline - June 30, 2025: OUC is transitioning to a new TruNet Solar program. Homeowners who submit a complete solar interconnection application by June 30, 2025, may be grandfathered into the existing retail rate net metering program for 20 years. After this deadline, new solar customers will receive a lower community solar export rate (approximately 4.6 cents per kWh) for excess energy.

Battery Storage Rebate: OUC offers a battery rebate program for solar customers. The utility has offered rebates of up to $2,000 for qualifying battery systems paired with solar installations. Beginning July 1, 2025, OUC plans to reintroduce an energy storage rebate of $150 per rated kWh. Batteries must meet certain size and insurance requirements.

Solar Thermal Rebate: OUC provides rebates of up to $900 for solar water heating systems. These systems can potentially reduce water heating energy consumption by 50% to 85%.

Low-Interest Financing: OUC has offered financing options with competitive interest rates for energy efficiency improvements, including solar installations. Homeowners should contact OUC directly for current program availability and terms.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy serves portions of Orange County outside OUC's service territory, particularly in areas like Winter Park and parts of unincorporated Orange County.

Net Metering: Duke Energy Florida customers benefit from Florida's net metering rules, which typically credit solar customers at the full retail rate for excess electricity. Florida law requires investor-owned utilities like Duke to offer this benefit.

Clean Energy Connection: Duke offers a community solar subscription program for customers who cannot install rooftop solar. This allows participation in solar benefits without panel installation.

PowerPair Program: Duke Energy offers incentives for customers who install solar paired with battery storage systems. Enrollment is typically on a first-come, first-served basis.

Unlike some other states, Duke Energy Florida does not currently offer direct rebates for residential solar panel installations. However, Duke customers can still take advantage of federal and state incentives.

Solar Incentives and Tax Credits for Orlando Homeowners

Several incentives can significantly reduce the net cost of solar installation for Orlando homeowners.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has been a major driver of residential solar adoption. The credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of their solar installation costs from their federal income taxes.

Critical Update for 2025: Recent federal legislation has accelerated the phase-out of the residential solar tax credit. Homeowners considering solar should research current credit availability, as the program may end or be reduced sooner than originally scheduled. Consulting with a tax professional about current ITC eligibility is strongly recommended.

Florida State Incentives

Sales Tax Exemption: Florida exempts solar photovoltaic equipment from the state's 6% sales tax. This exemption is automatically applied by licensed installers, reducing upfront costs. For a $25,000 system, this exemption could represent savings of approximately $1,500.

Property Tax Exemption: Florida law provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential solar equipment. This means that while a solar installation may increase your home's market value, that added value is excluded from property tax assessments through at least 2037. This exemption covers solar panels, inverters, batteries, wiring, and related equipment.

Combining Incentives

Orlando homeowners may be able to combine multiple incentives. For example, an OUC customer installing an 8 kW system with battery storage could potentially benefit from:

• Federal tax credit (if still available at time of installation)
• Florida sales tax exemption
• Florida property tax exemption
• OUC battery rebate
• Net metering credits (if application submitted by June 30, 2025)

The actual savings will depend on individual circumstances, system size, and incentive availability at the time of purchase.

Orange County Solar Permitting Process

All solar installations in Orange County require permits. The county has worked to streamline the permitting process for residential solar projects.

Permit Requirements

For residents in unincorporated Orange County, an electrical permit is required for solar PV installations. If the project includes solar water heating, a plumbing permit is also necessary. Residents within Orlando city limits should contact the city's building department.

Required Documentation

Orange County typically requires:

• Site plan showing panel placement and equipment locations
• Electrical diagram with wiring and inverter details
• Structural analysis confirming roof load capacity
• Manufacturer specifications for panels and inverters
• Utility interconnection agreement

Streamlined Approval

Orange County has implemented streamlined processes for standard solar installations, allowing certain applications to receive over-the-counter approval. The county uses an electronic permitting system (FastTrack) for application submission.

Orange County has designated solar as a by-right accessory use in all zones, meaning solar installations do not require special permits or hearings beyond standard building permits.

HOA Considerations

Florida law prohibits homeowners associations from completely banning solar panels. While HOAs may have some aesthetic guidelines regarding placement, they cannot prevent solar installation entirely. If you live in an HOA community, reviewing your covenants and communicating with your HOA board before installation is recommended.

Choosing an Orlando Solar Installer

Selecting the right installer is one of the most important decisions in going solar. Consider these factors when evaluating Orlando solar companies:

Licensing: Verify the installer holds appropriate Florida contractor licenses. Solar installers in Florida should have electrical contractor licensing or work under licensed electrical contractors.

Experience: Look for installers with experience in Central Florida specifically. Local experience means familiarity with Orange County permitting, local utility interconnection requirements, and regional weather considerations.

Warranties: Understand what warranties are offered on equipment and workmanship. Quality installations typically include 25-year panel warranties and 10-25 year inverter warranties.

Financing Options: Many installers offer financing through third-party lenders. Compare rates and terms if you plan to finance your system.

Reviews and References: Check reviews on multiple platforms and ask for references from recent Orlando installations.

Is Solar Worth It in Orlando?

For many Orlando homeowners, solar panels can provide meaningful long-term savings on electricity costs. The combination of high electricity rates, strong sunshine, and available incentives creates favorable conditions for solar investment.

However, solar is not ideal for every home. Factors that influence solar viability include:

• Roof age, condition, and orientation
• Shading from trees or nearby structures
• Current electricity usage patterns
• Available incentives at time of installation
• Length of time you plan to stay in your home

Homeowners who use significant air conditioning (common in Orlando) and have south or west-facing roofs with minimal shading often see the best results from solar installation.

Next Steps for Orlando Homeowners

If you are considering solar panels for your Orlando home, taking action in 2025 may be particularly important due to changing incentive programs. OUC customers should be aware of the June 30, 2025 deadline for grandfathered net metering rates, and all homeowners should research current federal tax credit availability.

Start by reviewing your electricity bills to understand your usage patterns, then obtain quotes from multiple licensed Orlando solar installers. This will give you accurate pricing based on your specific home and allow you to make an informed decision about whether solar is right for your situation.